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Permitting

The AQD has implemented the agency's Permit Continuum concept, which uses different types of permits for different facilities, depending on size, complexity and environmental risk. Under this program no permit is required for the smallest sources of air contaminant emissions, known as "de minimis facilities." In addition, most facilities that emit less than 40 tpy are "permit exempt", unless they are subject to Federal Standards such as the New Source Performance Standards (NSPS) or National Emissions Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAPs). General Permits have been issued to cover several categories of minor facilities that are more complex or have somewhat greater emissions. Many of the facilities covered by these General Permits are also subject to one or more NSPS or NESHAPs. A Permit by Rule (PBR) has been promulgated in OAC 252:100-7-60.5 for minor oil and natural gas (O&NG) facilities. Individual permits are issued for minor facilities that do not fall into one of the other continuum categories.

Fact sheets are available which describe AQD's permitting program in more depth, including descriptions of who needs a permit, and which permit category a facility may be eligible for under the Permit Continuum. Because air quality permitting issues can be quite complex, the AQD offers a service called an Applicability Determination. If the determination concludes that a permit is required, the fee charged for the Applicability Determination is applied toward the permit application fee. DEQ's Customer Assistance Program also offers one-stop permitting assistance and a statewide toll-free number 1-800-869-1400.

AQD operates a dual permitting system  construction permits and operating permits  to control major (Part 70) and minor sources. A construction permit is required before a new source is constructed or an existing source is modified. The construction permit is issued after it is determined the source is designed to meet applicable rules and pre-construction requirements. An operating permit is issued after construction is completed and demonstration is made that the source is capable of meeting applicable emissions limitations and air pollution control requirements. An Authorization to Construct and an Authorization to Operate under a particular general permit would correspond to the construction and operating permit, respectively.